gravitational force

OVERVIEW

Gravitational Force is a four-lesson unit of study that allows students to support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed down. In lesson #1, students investigate the ideas: gravity causes objects to fall, why objects fall, and how air resistance affects falling objects. In lesson #2, students do internet research to understand how parachutes work. In lesson #3, students complete an activity, which leads them to understand parachutes slow the speed at which an object falls through the air. In lesson #4, students use what they have learned about gravity, air resistance, and parachutes to design, build, and test a space lander.

Students will understand that parachutes slow the speed at which an object falls through the air. Students learn how air resistance slows the descent of an object and keeps it from smashing into the ground.